The contemporary era is characterised by protest and anger – with young people caught up in various forms of militant politics, protest parties gaining ever more votes, and even NHS doctors taking to the streets.

In this module, we explore the social consequences of the economic and political transformations that have taken place in recent decades, associated with neoliberalism. We will ask why these changes might be responsible for the global rise in urban unrest and dissatisfaction. Topics include growing inequality and elite power, militant policing, consumerism, anxiety, debt, the destruction of industrial communities, class identity, the marketization of education, and the diminishing spaces of public life.

Through these related topics we will see how neoliberalism as the marketization of everyday life can be understood through sociological attention to the historical processes which inform contemporary political decisions and protests.

Key Information

CORE module for BA Sociology

CORE module for BA Sociology and Quantitative Methods

Optional CORE module for joint honours Sociology students

15 CATS

Summative Assessment: 2000 word essay (100%)

Teaching: 1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour seminar per week

Module Convenor: Teodora Todorova